The Hidden Drain: 5 Control System Mistakes Silently Costing You Thousands Every Month

Eighteen months after investing in a “cutting-edge” control system, a facilities director at a prominent UK university was shocked to find a 23% rise in energy bills. The anticipated savings? Nowhere to be found. Instead: rising maintenance costs, ongoing user complaints, and the growing realisation that their smart building was quietly leaking money.

Across the UK and Europe, this scenario is alarmingly common. From corporate headquarters in Frankfurt to NHS trusts and university campuses, control systems intended to save money often do the opposite—simply due to flawed implementation and neglected optimisation.

A recent review of 200+ commercial buildings across Europe found over 65% of control systems operating inefficiently, wasting £2,000–£5,000 per month—or up to £60,000 per year. That’s the equivalent of a full-time salary or several capital improvement projects lost to invisible inefficiencies.


The Technology vs. the Reality

Modern control systems form the digital backbone of smart buildings—regulating HVAC, lighting, AV, and security systems. Done right, they offer energy savings of 15–30%, improved comfort, and longer asset life.

But in practice, many fail to deliver. According to CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers), a majority of facilities managers report performance falling short of design intent—not due to the technology itself, but how it’s commissioned, integrated, and maintained.

Let’s explore five of the most costly—and fixable—control system mistakes draining budgets across the UK and Europe.


Mistake #1: Disconnected Systems Working at Cross-Purposes

Many facilities evolve over time, layering in separate systems from different vendors—lighting from one, HVAC from another, AV from a third. The result? Systems that operate in silos, often conflicting with each other.

At a London-based office complex, occupancy sensors dimmed lighting to save energy. But the HVAC system, running on fixed schedules, continued heating unoccupied spaces. The result: comfort issues, staff complaints, and an estimated £35,000 in wasted energy annually.

Fragmented systems also lead to duplicated work, with facilities teams spending hours manually coordinating or overriding systems. In this case, the FM team reported an extra 10 hours per week, amounting to £15,000 in labour costs per year.

And without unified data, it’s impossible to see how the building is performing overall—blocking long-term efficiency improvements.


Mistake #2: Interfaces That Intimidate Rather Than Empower

Even the best technology fails if users can’t (or won’t) use it properly.

After a university in Manchester rolled out a £1 million classroom AV upgrade, over 70% of lecturers avoided using the new features—citing confusing controls and inconsistent interfaces. They used only the basics, leaving most of the system’s capability untapped.

Poor UX leads to three major costs:

  • Wasted investment: Surveys show only 40% of system features are typically used—so on a £200,000 system, that’s £120,000 of unrealised potential.
  • Lost productivity: At a European financial services firm, executives spent an average of 6 minutes per meeting troubleshooting room systems—adding up to £60,000+ in lost staff time annually.
  • Energy waste: At a Belgian college, 40% of rooms were found to have equipment left on overnight due to complex shutdown procedures—costing €30,000 per year in unnecessary energy usage.

Mistake #3: Skipping Proper Commissioning and Ongoing Optimisation

Far too many control systems are treated as “install and forget” technology. Without proper commissioning—and ongoing fine-tuning—systems fall out of sync with real-world building use.

At a major German hospital, an audit two years after installation revealed 50% of temperature sensors were inaccurate, and VAV systems were running in override mode due to initial programming errors. The facility was using 18% more energy than necessary—an annual cost of €150,000.

Neglecting commissioning also shortens system lifespan. According to REHVA (the Federation of European Heating and Ventilation Associations), improperly maintained control systems experience up to 30% higher failure rates. For a large commercial building, that could mean £40,000–£50,000 in extra maintenance costs per year.

And the longer systems go without optimisation, the further they drift from actual occupancy patterns—leading to persistent waste.


Mistake #4: Underpowered Networks and Weak Cybersecurity

Modern control systems rely on IT infrastructure, yet many buildings still connect them via legacy networks—creating bottlenecks and vulnerabilities.

A school in Bristol experienced system-wide AV failure during a public event because their control system shared bandwidth with administrative systems. The last-minute fix—including equipment hire and staff overtime—cost £10,000 for a single event.

Downtime from overloaded networks costs more than inconvenience. In commercial buildings, each hour of system failure can translate to £0.20–£0.35 per square foot in productivity losses. For a 75,000-square-foot office, that’s £15,000–£26,000 per hour.

Cybersecurity is an even bigger concern. Building control systems are often poorly secured—despite being an ideal back door for hackers. In 2023, a Scandinavian logistics firm suffered a €400,000 ransomware attack after hackers entered via unpatched HVAC controllers.


Mistake #5: No Plan for Lifecycle Management

Unlike mechanical equipment, control technology ages fast. Core components and software may become unsupported in as little as five years—yet many facilities plan for 15+ year usage cycles.

Central Europe University faced this challenge after neglecting updates for six years. When a critical system failed, they found key components discontinued and integration impossible. The emergency replacement cost €1.5 million—over 40% more than a planned upgrade would have.

Compare that to a proactive strategy. A corporate park in the Netherlands follows a five-year refresh plan, budgeting 10–12% of the original system cost annually for maintenance and upgrades. Their total cost of ownership is 25% lower over 10 years than peers using reactive models.


Turning Waste Into Advantage

Correcting these five mistakes can free up £100,000–£200,000 annually for a mid-sized UK or European facility. More importantly, it turns control systems from a hidden liability into a performance asset.

Step one: conduct a full system audit. Assess integration, UX, commissioning, network readiness, and lifecycle status. Most buildings will uncover immediate savings.

Step two: pursue integration. Often, middleware or cloud-based solutions can unify legacy systems without full replacement—delivering 70% of the benefit for 30% of the cost.

Step three: redesign interfaces around real users. Involve end users early. Modern, intuitive UIs often pay for themselves within a year.

Step four: implement continuous commissioning. Ongoing tuning typically saves 10–15% in energy and improves occupant satisfaction—often with guaranteed payback through performance contracts.

Step five: secure your infrastructure. Use dedicated networks and update cybersecurity protocols. These protections are not optional—they’re insurance against reputational and financial disaster.

Finally: plan for obsolescence. Recognise that control tech evolves quickly. Annual budgets should include not just break/fix costs but future-proofing.


Why Expertise Matters

Success lies at the intersection of AV, IT, building services, and human behaviour. Most project teams don’t cover all those bases.

That’s why organisations like LCD have emerged as leaders across the UK and Europe. By combining engineering, IT, and UX with real-world operational insight, LCD helps clients unlock true ROI from their systems.

Their CTO summarises it well: “The technology didn’t need replacing—our implementation approach did.

Updated Title

Streamtec MPC3 Keypad Code v0.0.0.9

Release Notes

Codebase: Streamtec MPC3

Files:								Version        Comments		
Streamtec-MPC3-302.lpz				v1.0.0.0       Code for MPC3-302 Keypads
Streamtec-MPC3-302-XPanel.zip		v1.0.0.0       Keypad Emulation For Fusion 		
Streamtec-MPC3-RN.md				v1.0.0.0       Release Notes
Streamtec-MPC3-RN.pdf            	v1.0.0.0       Release Notes PDF
Streamtec-MPC3-OPTIONS.md          	v1.0.0.0       Config Options
Streamtec-MPC3-OPTIONS.pdf          v1.0.0.0       Config Options PDF

Streamtec MPC3 v1.0.0.0

Package File: Streamtec-MPC3-v1.0.0.0.zip

Released Files:
Streamtec-MPC3-302.lpz Streamtec-MPC3-XPanel.zip Streamtec-MPC3-RN.md Streamtec-MPC3-RN.pdf
Streamtec-MPC3-OPTIONS.md Streamtec-MPC3-OPTIONS.pdf

Included Files:(From Previous releases)

New Features:

  • na

Resolved Issues:

  • na

Known Issues:

  • na

LCD IR App Webinar 1

[ameliaevents event=14 type=list]

In this webinar we will demonstrate the LCD IR app when used to control displays in Crestron Home.

Product Launch : LCD IR App

LCD launches IR App for configuration of devices in Crestron & Crestron Home

App configuration tool set to revolutionise IR device connections through Global Caché

Edinburgh, Scotland November 2023 – Custom programmers and software developers, LCD specialise in producing custom drivers and modules for extended connectivity in Crestron and Crestron Home. The company, based in Scotland and backed by qualified Crestron Service Providers (CSPs), also offer system development services, helping institutions and businesses build control systems to their unique specifications. LCD has just announced the launch of its latest product, the LCD IR App, which enables Global Caché IR product integration for Crestron and Crestron Home.

Global Caché produces hardware solutions that allow for the access, control, and automation of IR, serial and relay devices over an IP network. LCD’s IR App will enable CSPs and professionals who build Crestron systems to connect a multitude of devices to their control ecosystems via a downloadable software module or driver, further expanding the capabilities of Crestron and Crestron Home.

“We’ve been working hard to develop an overall solution for connecting non-native devices to control systems,” explains Neil Silver, Lead Developer at LCD. “With our collective background in the Creston and Crestron Home world, we have been able to work with Global Caché’s iTach product to create a unique solution for configuring devices in these environments; but this is just the beginning. The software we’ve developed is transferrable and has the potential to be used within other control systems, with the same effect.”

“Gone are the days of writing custom software for each install—thanks to the powerful middleware from LCD and Global Caché hardware,” says Robin Ford, Global Caché’s VP of Business Development, expressing enthusiasm for what this new product means for Crestron service providers and integrators. “It’s a game-changer. This not only streamlines the installation process but also reduces the need for specialised engineering. It’s a win-win for the folks setting it up and their users.”

The launch is based around LCD’s IR App, a control interface that facilitates easy connection between Crestron and Crestron Home control systems and IR-controlled devices. “Our IR App can be accessed via any web browser or even from a smartphone,” continues Silver. “The app allows users to configure the connection details of Global Caché’s iTach IP2CC hardware, browse and test the IR code sets available from Global Caché’s online IR database, Control Tower, upload custom code sets and modify IR codes for device commands.”

LCD’s IR App is compatible with both Crestron and Crestron Home systems via two separate software offerings. Firstly, a driver for Crestron Home allows IR devices, from home appliances to security cameras, to be connected to Crestron Home via the Global Caché integration. On the other hand, a module for SIMPL Windows allows for the same capabilities, but within a Creston ecosystem, and is therefore intended for use within corporate and professional markets, rather than residential. You can read more about Global Caché on our partners page

The launch of LCD IR App marks a significant milestone, not only for the LCD development team, but also for Global Caché, whose iTach product can now be utilised in a wider range of use cases in both Crestron and Crestron Home environments.


Crestron Service Providers

The Crestron Services Provider program (CSP) is offered by Crestron Electronics, a leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems. The CSP program is designed to provide Crestron customers with access to certified services providers who can assist with the design , installation, programming, and maintenance of Crestron systems.

Crestron systems are widely used in residential and commercial settings, including homes, conference rooms, classrooms, and entertainment venues. These systems are designed to control and automate a variety of devices, including audio and video equipment, lighting, shades, climate control, and security systems.

The CSP program is intended to provide customers with peace of mind and ensure that their Crestron systems are installed and maintained by qualified professionals. To become a Crestron Service Provider, companies must meet certain requirements and undergo rigorous training and certification processes.

Crestron Service Providers are required to have a minimum of two years of experience in the audiovisual industry, as well as a strong technical background in computer networking, programming, and system design. They must also have completed Crestron’s extensive training program, which covers topics such as system design, programming, installation, and troubleshooting.

Once certified, Crestron Service Providers have access to a wide range of resources and support from Crestron Electronics. This includes access to the latest software updates, product information, and technical support. They also have the ability to participate in Crestron’s dealer programs and promotions, which can provide additional benefits and incentives.

History

Originally Crestron provided all progrmming services internally and when the company grew they started to involve trusted induviduals who were sub-contracted to provide their expertise on Crestrons behalf. To ensure theses induviduals had the required knowledge Crestron started a very small and exclusive training program which developed into what Crestron Masters has become today. From these first training programs the title of Crestron Authorized Independent Programmer (CAIP) was born , a program designed for independent programmers who were certified by Crestron. The first CAIP’s were introduced in 2003 and this formalised the position of an independant programmer for the first time and ran for over 10 years.

The Crestron CSP program was introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the CAIP program. The new program was designed to expand the scope of the previous program and provide more comprehensive support to Crestron customers.

“Our members have matured beyond the simple title of ‘programmer,'” says Jim Felderman, CSP Advisory Board Chair. “CSPs are developing truly creative and value-added solutions for the Crestron platform. The change in the identity of the programme better reflects the identity of the CSPs. They’ve experienced tremendous growth by embracing the power, flexibility and scalability of the Crestron brand.”

Crestron CTI

Community

The community of like minded induviduals is a powerful one where the hive mind of Crestron Service providers get together then amazing solutions are the results. Crestron CSps organise to collaborate both professionally and socially. We have a hugely active Discord server where we keep in touch between in person events!

New Beginnings

In 2022 the first, Post Covid, In persons Crestron Masters was held in Florida. During the covid pandemic Masters like so many in person events was forced online into a remote setting. While every effort was made to maintain the community and networking elements of the in person event the return of real in person events was long awaited.

Crestron took this oppertunity of re-afferming their commitment to the CSP program. In our Masters summit presented by the Crestron CSP Advisory board new initiatives and focus were discussed for the program and announcements of new appointments.

Shelly Flynn – Sr. Program Manager, Crestron Service Providers

Jeff Hopkins – Technical Director, Crestron Service Providers

Evolution

In 2016 the change of name from CAIP to CSP was designed to expand the scope beyond that of just programming. In 2023 the discussion in the AV control and software community is all around the difference between programming and development. A name change is not required but the cohort of current CSP induviduals and businesses are changing and evolving.

“When I as giving the opportunity to take on this new role as Technical Director, supporting the CSP organizations, I wasn’t aware of the vast diversity in services offered.  In retrospect, my view of a CSP was a Crestron programmer that can be contracted when something needed programming.  I quickly learned that this was an antiquated view of the program, and that this community has so much more to offer.  Providing services from system design and solution planning, to programming, driver development, commissioning, end user trainings, and even pro-active monitoring services for every vertical, CSPs collaborate with some of the most innovative minds and leaders, guiding our industry into the technology of the future.”

Jeff Hopkins – Crestron

Technical Director, Crestron Service Providers

Conclusion

For customers, working with a Crestron Service Provider can provide a range of benefits. These include access to trained professionals who can assist with the design and installation of Crestron systems, as well as ongoing support and maintenance. Crestron Service Providers can also offer advice and recommendations on the latest Crestron products and technologies, helping customers to stay up-to-date and make informed decisions about their automation needs.

In conclusion, the Crestron Service Provider program is a valuable resource for customers who are looking to install or maintain a Crestron automation system. By working with a certified service provider, customers can ensure that their system is installed and maintained by qualified professionals, with access to the latest resources and support from Crestron Electronics.

CSP Social Media Resource

We have produced some social media templates for other CSP businesses to use in their marketing and social media feeds.

These are free to use with or without acknowledgement to LCD with the mutual benifit of spreading the work of what CSP’s are and what we do in the AV Industry.

We have provided these as canva templates so that you can add your own brand image and photo.

Design 1 – Generations

Small Image Block : Logo

Large Image Block : Headshot

Example:

Suggested Message:


When engaging a CSP on your project you always get 1st class performance. The power of the community of CSP’s provide generations of know how. Click here to find out more about the role of a CSP and how we play a pivotal role within the #Crestron ecosystem.

https://lightingcontrol.co.uk/2023/04/crestron-service-providers/ #CSP #CrestronAutomation #CustomCrestron #CrestronHome #JobDone #SaaS #CrestronServicesProvider

Link to Templates :

Facebook / Linkedin

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFhxh2Pr1U/p1FH3s0ldYLp26b9P_ve0A/view?utm_content=DAFhxh2Pr1U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

Instagram:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFhxq1BNLI/3_MUdR_22u5O3wGiklF1Vg/view?utm_content=DAFhxq1BNLI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

Design 2 – Get the Job Done

Small Image Block : Logo

Example:

Suggested Message:

As CSPs, we all share one common goal: to get the job done!

But we also provide a resulting experiance that is 2nd to none.

Click here to find out more about the role of a CSP and how we play a pivotal role within the #Crestron ecosystem.

CSP #CrestronAutomation #CustomCrestron #CrestronHome #JobDone #SaaS #CrestronServicesProvider

Link to Templates :

Facebook / Linkedin

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFiCqE1BgI/X6Faj4Qso79AA2Tn0iFDCg/view?utm_content=DAFiCqE1BgI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview


Instagram:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFiCmsahYE/rDmqSvyH0Xr59x8BtRLrBg/view?utm_content=DAFiCmsahYE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

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